Mashinini Pleads For Humility

ANC Free State chairman Sam Mashinini has made a passionate appeal to all members of the party to avail themselves to residents in the province and to be selfless servants.

Mashinini also pleaded with voters to renew the mandate of the ANC for the next five years by casting their votes in the general elections to be held on May 8.

Addressing a packed Dr Rantlai Molemela Stadium in Mangaung on Tuesday during the provincial launch of the ANC’s election manifesto, the chairperson recalled the party had met with difficult and challenging times over the years but this had not deterred it from fulfilling its promises to the people.

“The ANC turns 107 years this year. In its existence, the ANC has met many challenges but as a strong force of the people, the movement has made it through until today,” said Mashinini.

He noted the ruling party can be trusted to stay true to its character by voters because it has remained a disciplined force and trusted ‘parliament of the people.’

“The ANC has never, and shall never change its values, principles and character, irrespective of the prevailing material conditions,” he vowed.

Also in attendance at the provincial manifesto launch was the treasurer of the ANC Free State, Sisi Ntombela, provincial secretary Paseka Nompondo, and ANC youth league provincial chair Makalo Mohale, among other leaders.

Mashinini also said as the ANC celebrates 25 years of democracy, the country should remember the many strides the movement has made in improving the lives of the people.

“One of the crucial achievements of the ANC in the past 25 years is the adoption of the Supreme Law of the land, the Constitution. We have developed a constitution which seeks to unite us as a people, and destroy the legacy of apartheid.”

Other achievements scored by the ANC since 1994 include building houses for the poor, Mashinini said, adding that in 2001 only 64% of residents in the Free State lived in formal dwellings but the figure has now skyrocketed to 84%.

“We have provided water, electricity and refuse removal to millions of our people. The ANC government in the Free has also reduced poverty from 63% in 1999, to 41.7% in 2016,” said the chairman to loud cheers.

He added: “We have increased access to schooling for millions of our learners, and also expanded the School Nutrition Scheme to many learners. As we launch our manifesto today, we must all lend a helping hand to ensure that the ANC wins with a massive majority during the next elections in May this year.”

Referring to former President Thabo Mbeki’s famous “I’m an African speech’, Mashinini said he was making a noble call to all South Africans, irrespective of race, gender, ethnicity or class, to stand up and build a united, democratic, non-sexist, non-racial and prosperous South Africa.”

The chairman, who is also the police, roads and transport MEC, said he wishes to humble himself before the members of the ANC, its supporters and friends alike, as well as the people of the Free State in handling their affairs.

Borrowing a line from the late President Nelson Mandela, Mashinini said: “I stand here before you, not as a prophet, but as a humble servant of you, the people”.

“As I say these words, I remember one of the most distinguished stalwarts of our struggle, Tata Nelson Mandela. I also wish to humble myself before you, members, supporters and lovers of the African National Congress and the people of the Free State in general.”

He also acknowledged successive presidents of the ANC, from John Langalibalele Dube up to Cyril Ramaphosa, for steering the ship of liberation.

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